George w



(No Model.)

G. W. THOMAS.

TOY.

Patented Sept. 20, 1892 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE W. THOMAS, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO GEORGE W. BISHOP AND NATHANIEL GIBSON, OF SAME PLACE.

TOY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 483,087, dated September 20, 1892.

Application filed November 7, 1891- Serial No. 411,196- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. THOMAS, residing at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improveinents in Toys, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to toys in which a figure is supported in a frame by transverse supports, so that it may rotate, and having a missile connected to the toy by an elastic strip.

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the target toy. Fig. 2 is a rear elevation showing a modified form of frame and handle. Fig. 3 is a front view showing toy figure turning over as when struck by projectile.

A indicates a frame a few inches in diame ter and preferably of wood or rattan, so as to be light and stiff.

B denotes the handle by which the same maybe held.

A light gum band 0 is stretched across the frame from side to side, the ends of the band being secured to the frame by pins, small staples, or in any other suitable manner.

The central part of the gum band is firmly attached to or passes through a toy figure, so that the toy figure D is supported by the clastic band. The two elastic cross-pieces will be brought nearer together at the point of attachment of the figure than they are at the frame, and will thus permit the figure to turn over quite easily. Such turning of the figure (the band serving as an axis) will of course twist the band, and the elasticity of the band will tend to restore the toy to upright position.

An elastic cord E is attached to the frame, preferably at the top, and the free end of said cord carries a small ball or projectile F, of wood, cork, or other material.

To use the toy, the handle B is held in one hand and the ball' F is drawn back by the other until the elastic cord E is sufficiently stretched. Then aim is taken to hit some part of the toy figure and the ball F released, when it will be thrown forward by the elastic cord. If the ball strikes near the head or feet of the toy figure, said figure will be caused to turn over, twisting the band C. The elasticity of band C will cause the figure to turn back again after the force of the blow is exhausted.

Some skill may be shownin the use of the toy, as by causing the ball to pass over or through the frame, so as to strike the figure on the recoil. The suspended figure may have a comical appearance.

In Figs. 2 and 3 I show the frame A and handle B in one piece, bent to shape something like a tennis-racket.

The straight parts of the frame-piece which form the handle may be held together by pins or rivets, or by winding, or in other suitable 1113111191.

What I claim is 1. The toy consisting, essentially, of a frame and a toy figure supported inside the frame by elastic strips extending across the frame from side to side and supporting said toy figure, and a projectile attached to the frame by an elastic cord.

2 The toy frame consisting of a single piece bent like a tennis-racket, a toy figure supported within the open part of the frame by elastic supports extending across said frame from side to side, and a projectile attached to the frame by an elastic cord, all substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE W. THOMAS.

Witnesses: ADOLPH VON HARTUNG, JOHN T. BARBER. 

